Test Drive: 2017 Volkswagen Jetta SEL

Tuesday

May 30, 2017 at 7:21 AMMay 30, 2017 at 7:21 AM

Greg Zyla More Content Now

Entry Price: $17,895Price as Tested: $25,815

This week, were driving the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta SEL, powered by a stout 1.8 liter turbocharged four cylinder as standard fare. New this year is a restyle tweak featuring a newly sculptured front end that features integrated fog lamps.

Still offering a very roomy interior for a compact car and pleasing “Passat-like” looks, Jetta continues its evolution as VW’s best-seller overall. Topping off the advantages of a Jetta, our SEL came with a no-extra cost six-speed automatic transmission that delivers impressive 25 city and 35 highway EPA estimates. There is also no charge for special metallic paint and a two tone leatherette style interior.

Additionally, at a final $25,815 retail that includes $820 delivery, it’s easy to recommend a VW Jetta to just about any age group, from college student to senior citizen. For 2017, five distinct models are available, two with a 1.4 liter turbo (S and SE models), two with the 1.8 liter turbo (Sport and SEL) and one standalone Jetta with a 2.0 liter Turbo (GLI).

Starting at just at just $17,895 for the entry five-speed manual “S” up to the ultimate GLI 2.0 Turbo that starts at $27,895, you can be sure there’s a VW Jetta sitting in the showroom that fits your needs.

Considering the above noted low entry price for the Jetta S, it truly is one of the best choices out there if you’re trying to combine fun driving and practicality. Notable is that the VW turbo engines erase what used to me a mutually exclusive economy/performance problem, where high EPA numbers usually meant docile performance when a driver matted the throttle while merging or passing.

Not so with the turbo Jettas. And if your Jetta comes standard with the six speed automatic as our SEL did, you’ll surely enjoy the overall driving experience.

When Jetta’s turbo starts delivering more air to the computer controlled fuel mixture, things begin to happen. You’ll go through six automatically shifted gears and experience lively acceleration throughout. We also recommend the six-speed automatic over the standard five-speed manual entry S model as the automatic delivers one-MPG less highway (39 vs. 40) than the manual. The automatic also has a much better resale value down the road as most used car buyers want automatics.

Explaining more on the three turbo engines, the 1.4 produces 150-horses, the 1.8 delivers 170 horsepower, while the 2.0 generates 210 horses. Fuel mileage city/highway is good across the board if not outstanding. The 1.4 delivers 28/40, the 1.8 comes in at 25/35 while the powerful 2.0 still delivers well at 23/33. The choice is yours as these Jettas are all noteworthy performers.

Standard on the SEL is push-button start, USB port and the VW Car-Net equipment. VW Car-Net includes navigation, infotainment, emergency service and VW’s App-Connect that will access music, maps, messaging and more from your compatible Smartphone direct to your Discover Media 6.3 inch dashboard display/stereo.

A standard rear camera adds to safety, while 17-inch Continental Pro Contact all-weather tires on nice alloy wheels help cornering and stopping abilities (in addition to the aesthetic factor). A six-speaker premium stereo is standard, as is heated front seats, climate control and leather trim on the steering wheel, brake lever and shifter knob.

An independent four-wheel suspension helps the front-drive Jetta adhere to the road. Standard safety equipment expands for 2017 as front and side airbags, four-wheel ABS disc brakes, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor, traction control, keyless start/entry and intelligent crash response all work in tandem so driver and passengers are riding in a very safe Volkswagen compact car. Proof of Jetta’s overall safety build arrives in a well earned Five Star government crash safety rating, a notable plus when comparing all compact models.

Inside, Jetta is spacious and aesthetically pleasing. It features firm seating, nice gauges, 60/40 split rear seat, Bluetooth, remote keyless entry, push-button start, all the powers, floor mats, and more. It may not be top class luxury, but the cabin overall is still very inviting, roomy and nicely appointed. Add a standard power tilt and sliding sunroof and Sirius/XM for some nice tunes, and you’re ready to cruise any highway or country road you choose.

Jetta in any form is a prime example of Volkswagen engineers concentrating on delivering a compact design that resembles mid-size dimensions. Throw in that wide range of pricing, and you’ve got yourself a winner. Your VW dealer is awaiting your visit to explain any and all buyer and dealer incentives.